Finite Element Analysis of Cracks in a Thin Walled Cylinder under Internal Pressure

摘要

Simple finite element models for the analysis of the behavior of longitudinal cracks in a pressurized thin walled cylindrical shell are described. The models were defined with the STAGSC-1 finite element code and used to study the possibilities of an analysis of cracks that are present in stiffened cylinders. In contrast to the problem of a crack in a flat plate in tension, the problem of a crack in a cylinder is governed by geometrical nonlinear effects from the onset. This is clearly brought out by the results of the present analysis. They show, that for cracks with a large aspect ratio, the linear theory grossly overestimates the intensity of the crack tip singularity. The results show also that the finite element method holds considerable promise as a tool of analysis in this particular area of crack mechanics.